03/08/2011

A few weeks ago, the C.A.R.S. ministry received a phone call from a distressed mother living approximately an hour from Willow Creek. A few days before calling, she and her husband had separated, leaving her as a single mother to four girls between the ages of two and fourteen. At the time of the separation, her husband took their only vehicle and she was left without transportation to get her to her job in the city.

A friend offered the use of a car, but the brakes were unsafe and it had failed emissions testing. She was desperate to make the car safe, but her finances were tight, so she called the C.A.R.S. Ministry. C.A.R.S. was able to contact a local high school near her home and make arrangements for her to take the car to the school’s auto repair training shop. Students, who rely on cars in need of repair in order to learn auto mechanics, would be able to fix her car if she paid for the parts.

“I am writing to let you know how much I appreciated your assistance. Somehow I feel you gave me a boost of good blessings,” said this mother in a follow-up letter to C.A.R.S. After C.A.R.S. connected her with the high school, she had to postpone the repairs in order to save enough to pay for the parts. Two of her co-workers overheard her dilemma and offered to pay to have her car repaired by a local mechanic. It is now fixed. The co-workers even purchased the necessary emissions sticker and paid for the penalties associated with the delinquency in complying with state laws regarding vehicle emissions. “You opened doors for me and my family,” she said. “I want to start taking my daughters to church. It’s a value I’ve been unable to offer my girls until now.”

For most Americans, extreme makeovers entail remodeling an outdated room or space and transforming it into something spectacular. Sparkling floors, freshly painted walls, and shiny new fixtures are a given. But what does an extreme makeover look like in Consuelo, a municipality of approximately 30,000 people in the Dominican Republic? Bruce Horgan, a 23-year veteran and staff member at Willow, knows the answer.

In November of 2010, Bruce led a team to Consuelo for an eight-day, short-term mission trip. One of the projects was to improve a one-room shanty with a steel roof. The room, which measured 12 x 15, was home to a husband and wife and their five children. Inside the shanty's unpainted walls, a single mattress on the concrete floor provided the only place to sleep. Bruce and his team labored into the night to complete an 8 x 12 room addition, along with a concrete pad for food preparation. "It was like the Taj Mahal to them," Bruce said, “and neighbors came by to watch and help.” And according to Bruce, the best part of the story was yet to come.

After Bruce and his team packed up and returned home, they realized they were "under budget." Thanks to a generous donation in connection with the trip, Bruce realized even more could be done for this family. He connected with Rafael, a Willow Creek staff member who lives in the Dominican Republic and organizes the team projects, to arrange the details. On December 23, a big truck backed up to the family's home to pour out materials for a real makeover: bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, a dresser, and mosquito nets. The interior of the shanty received a fresh coat of paint. The team also wanted to do something special for the children's mother, whose only concern was caring for her children while her husband looked for a job. Amazingly, the budget accommodated a new outfit and a "spa day” for the mother—an unfathomable luxury.

Serve Abroad or from Home

Bruce, who has led several short-term mission trips, says the opportunity to serve is more accessible than ever. Participants often pay for half or sometimes the whole trip by raising money or receiving donations. "It goes to show," Bruce says, “those unable to participate in a short-term mission trip may still play a role. After all, it a generous donation on behalf of one of the team members that made the Consuelo make-over possible. "Some people have more money than time, and some people have more time than money," says Bruce. No matter what side of the equation, donors and team members share in the exciting "before and after" of each mission trip.

Each year as we move from winter to spring, there seems to be an excitement in the air knowing that warmer weather is coming. In the Compassion and Justice ministry, we also get excited because it means moving into our Celebration of Hope campaign.

For the past several years, Willow has come together to learn about the needs of people living in desperate situations. We have engaged our minds and hearts to consider the plight of those who are in need while searching Scripture for answers. It was an amazing scene last year to see thousands come together to assemble more than 500,000 family seed packs that have brought hope to many. Today, once-barren land is home to vegetable gardens yielding a sustainable income for the gardeners. This could not have been accomplished without the efforts of people coming together at Willow and heeding the promptings of God.

Celebration of Hope 2011 is right around the corner. Once again, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that will be placed in front of the Willow family. Our prayer is that our hearts—together as a church—will grow in the things that are close to the heart of God: compassion and justice.

COH 2011 offers unique serving opportunities that require a little extra time and effort from those who are passionate about this cause. Please look over the following opportunities, dates, and times. Then as a next step, register. Thanks in advance. We are excited to see what God has planned!

02/28/2011

“I have always been drawn to the captivating eyes of African children,” says Karin. “In pictures, their eyes spoke to me, but when I was able to look directly into their eyes, it was truly a gift. While there was pain and poverty around them, I saw optimism and joy in their eyes.” It was Bill and Lynne Hybels’ passion for Africa that inspired Karin to sign up for a short-term mission trip last November.

Purpose of the Trip

The purpose of the trip was to become familiar with Willow’s support ministries and to serve AIDS orphanages in South Africa. “We fed children their only meal for that day, and prayed with people of all ages who were stricken with AIDS. We sang songs, shared stories with wide-eyed tots, and handed out hugs whenever we could,” says Karin. A particular ministry that touched her was the Genesis Hospice Center, a large ministry that provides a place where people can die with dignity. People with HIV are often shunned by family members who do not understand the disease.

The Willow team connected with these children by passing out cookies and playing ball with a blow-up globe they used to show the kids the distance between their two countries. “Youcame so far for us,” the orphans said. “Why do you care?” Karin and the team embraced them demonstrating Christ’s love for these children who might die before the year is over.

The Body of Christ in Action

“They have great love and appreciation for all Willow has done to help and we had many opportunities to pray with them. We climbed to the top of a mountain to pray with some of the most impoverished and heard beautiful, angelic singing. We wanted to see how we could better serve the GoGos (grandparents) who are rearing HIV children. We were touched by their optimism, their pure appreciation for the very basics in life we often take for granted, and we their overflowing joy blanketed us as we served side by side.”

A Trip for “Regular” People Like Me

“There is so much to learn from them,” says Karin. “While they mesmerized and saddened me, they don’t see life the same way we do. For them life is simple. They can teach us so much about being, listening, simplicity, authenticity, and unwavering hope.

This trip was designed for ‘regular’ people like me who simply have a desire and yearning to serve those with critical basic needs in a far-away country that was previously nothing more than an image to me. This trip opened MY eyes, touched my heart, and rocked my soul.

I think God has a lot more planned for the Willow family in this part of the world. Sadly, while AIDS has monopolized this beautiful country, God’s work is clearly in action with the many ministries, including Willow, that are providing sustaining help and resources.”

Two Systems Now Produce Clean Water and another Project Is in the Pipeline

For the people of Ndejje (Nay-jay) in central Uganda, this year has already been a good year. In July 2010, a solar-powered water treatment unit was installed at the Glory Center Church in Ndejje and now clean water is flowing and impacting lives. The following is an update from Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator at Glory Center Church.

[It’s] doing great wonderful work in preaching the Gospel. The water system

is saying, ‘here is the ever-flowing river with water of life … and the solar

power [system] used to supply electricity in the church is saying ‘here is the

light of the world.’ People always come for it. Glory and honor always to our

God and thanks to the Men of Willow.

“Men of Willow” raised the $31,000 needed for this system. While it’s not an official ministry at Willow Creek, this group of men works at a grassroots level to raise support and awareness by reaching out to various groups, including the C.A.R.S. Ministry, Computer Connection, and the various Willow men’s breakfasts. Men of Willow partnered with Water Missions International (WMI), a non-profit Christian organization focused on bringing clean water to people in need around the world through its Living WaterTM treatment systems.

Meanwhile, the little village of Kahama in western Uganda (population 1200) felt the impact of another grassroots effort started by two women at Willow Creek. Touched by the same message from The Global Leadership Summit of 2009 that stirred The Men of Willow, Joan Matson and Barb Binford began “Clean Water for Everyone.” Contacting as many people as they could, they garnered support for a water treatment system, and in one year’s time, the contributions topped $28,000—enough to install a system in Kahama. The system was built and installed by WMI has been operating since October 2010.

Since then, “Clean Water for Everyone” has joined efforts with the men to raise support for a third water treatment system under the “Men of Willow” banner. To date, they have nearly 40 percent of the necessary funding to provide a treatment system in another community where people are suffering and children are sick and dying because they don’t have access to clean water.

01/19/2011

Stress was evident in the way the man carried himself—heavy, confused, broken. With an air of despair, words tumbled out of his mouth. “I’m unable to pay my mortgage; no one at the bank will talk to me; I have no way to refinance.” A caring lawyer with Willow Creek’s Legal Aid Ministry sat down with the gentleman and immediately was drawn to his eyes—ones that said, “My world is about to cave in.” She talked through some options; none of which were particularly satisfying.

Then the man said, “There is usually one more place to look, one more person to ask, one more step to take. But, I think you will be my last stop. I’m out of options. I’m out of ideas and people.” When he finished, the lawyer spoke gently to him, “God is throwing you a party right now because you are finally going to turn this over to Him. You are finally going to trust Him.” The words felt strange to her until she realized they were from God. The man looked blankly for a second, then his eyes watered, he smiled and left. No deep legal opinion rendered, but a life path changed, perhaps.

A Common Scenario For the members of the Legal Aid Ministry, this is an all too common scenario. Fifteen lawyers serve regularly at Willow Creek’s Care Center on Tuesday mornings. Clients are seen on a first come/first served basis.

Attorneys hear a mix of stories, mostly family law issues, but also foreclosures, consumer debt, and employment/benefits concerns. Legal Ministry team members interview the client, hoping to solve the issue in one visit. If resolution takes longer, the client may be referred to a panel of pro bono referral lawyers or another legal aid resource.

Success Stories In existence now for two years, the Legal Aid Ministry sees approximately one thousand clients each year. While the team members use their legal expertise throughout the process, they also believe strongly that their mission is to seek justice and encourage the oppressed while demonstrating God’s love.

As attorneys, they desire to resolve every legal issue quickly, but they work toward another objective: Do clients feel the peace of God before they leave? The goal is to access God’s power to resolve the problem and to conclude each consultation with prayer.

The Road Ahead In today’s economy, many people require legal aid. Sometimes simply adding a lawyer to the situation positively moves negotiations. To help others in need of aid, the ministry will soon add an evening time slot on Tuesdays. Additionally, team members are working to create seminars that will educate clients on important topics such as foreclosures.

Licensed lawyers are always needed. If you’d like to volunteer in this role, please contact Kellye Fabian.

Being a Spanish-speaking male might sound like a prerequisite for traveling to the Dominican Republic to work on a construction project. But Michelle Stiles discovered otherwise last November when she traveled to Conseulo to lay cement floors in tin huts.

The huts, which have no running water or bathrooms, contain gravel and rock. The result is uneven, rough surfaces that turn to mud when it rains. Rodents scatter across these rough floors depositing feces that cause illness. As one man told the team, “over and over” he chased them out, but the rats would find their way back in through a new opening. The man shouted, "Gloria a Dios" (Glory to God) every time the construction team walked by, because it meant a new concrete floor and an end to his battle with the rats.

“Cement provides a smoother, cleaner, and safer floor,” says Michelle. “But it is not simply a matter of safety and health: people in the Dominican Republic are not able to obtain title to their hut and their land unless they possess a cement floor. Laying the concrete floors brought significance and hope because families could title their huts and land. Amazingly, Michelle’s team mixed, carried, poured, and laid cement in seven huts in five days. An electrician on the team rewired all of the huts with proper wiring, pvc piping, light switches, sockets and outlets. Because the team was ahead of schedule, they were even able to build an addition onto a one-room hut for a family of seven.

Gifts from Short-Term Mission Trips Michelle, a staff member at the Willow Creek Association, has participated in three short-term mission trips, and each one has its own rewards. "When you give you also receive so much in return," she says. Despite the language barrier, Michelle was able to communicate with one woman who was determined to help rewire her hut, patch holes in her tin roof, and lay the cement floor. Grinning from ear to ear, the woman told the team that she slipped and fell the next day because she was not used to such a smooth floor under her bare feet.

Michelle’s experience with the way the women prayed was life-changing. “Lying prostrate in the local church, women with so little cried out to God in praise, thanksgiving, and suffering,” says Michelle. Such authentic worship runs counter to the way most Americans worship. "It was incredibly moving to watch these women pour their hearts out to God."

The team asked the pastor how he could preach day after day on joy, hope and heaven when the people lived in such despair. “There are those who suffer and those who suffer with hope,” he said. His message to the people was that this life, with its pain and suffering, is only temporary, while life in heaven is for eternity. "What amazing people with an amazing love for God."

Upcoming Short-Term Mission Trips In 2011, there are more opportunities to serve on short-term mission trips than ever before. Currently, 14 trips to Latin America and Africa remain open, with more to be scheduled. Mission trips encompass a wide range of projects, including construction, education, orphan care, and business planning. Stop by the Compassion and Justice kiosk in Dr. B’s to view team schedules or visit willowcreek.org/shorttermteams for more information.

“Trafficking people has to stop. It’s the fastest growing crime behind weapons and drugs.” Madeline Albright

Human Trafficking is a growing problem not only in under-developed countries, but in our own area. Chicago is the third largest human trafficking hub in the US. Trafficking involves mainly women and children who are sold into prostitution and slave labor. It’s a lucrative business where pimps can make $2,000 a week for every girl in prostitution.

There are more slaves in our time than in any time in our history. Slave traders made $32 billion last year alone, and sold 2.2 million children into slavery. Steve Spear, pastor of Willow Dupage, encouraged his congregation see the rockumentary Call+Response narrated by musician Justin Dillon with comments from Madeline Albright, Dr. Cornel West, Nicolas Kristof, Julia Ormond and Ashley Judd.

Using undercover filming techniques, Call+Response exposes audiences to human trafficking. In Mumbai young people are kidnapped and locked in cages. Eighty percent of them are female and 50 percent of them are just children. With their mouths, hands, and feet taped and bound, they are gang raped and beaten into submission. Bribes keep the police at bay and often the police heighten the offenses by participating as customers.

There are 27 million slaves in the world today working as prostitutes or toiling in the coffee, cotton, and chocolate industries. In some countries, the males are forced to become soldiers, rapists and terrorists. Slaves live in squalid conditions with little food and water and are forced to work 12 or more hour days seven days a week. To prevent them from escaping, they are often chained together. Most will die as slaves.

Willow DuPage Made the “Call” and the Congregation is “Responding”“I would like to thank WCCC Dupage as well as the film’s producer, Justin Dillon, who opened our eyes to this problem.” Bobbie Klimkowski, Willow DuPage member

“I think it all started when my husband and I saw the movie Taken. A week later I attended the WCA Leadership Conference and Christine Caine, a Human Rights Advocate, spoke on human trafficking. Next, I heard about Call+Response. Steve Spear, campus pastor at Willow DuPage, encouraged us to watch the film,” said Becky Brandvik, a member at Willow DuPage. The congregation is stepping into action to do something about the problem now and in the future.

Ways to Help“I think it starts with changing the hearts of men and women and showing them they can have fulfillment through Christ and a life that is God-honoring,” said Becky. “I am a runner and would be thrilled to help organize a Willow-endorsed race to help raise awareness.” Just as the musicians in Call+Response pooled their talents to produce a film, we all have gifts we can use to help. There is nothing like the power of one to make a difference in this world. We can all raise awareness, contact our elected officials, and buy products that do not use slave labor.

01/13/2011

Loneliness. It is difficult anytime of the year, but at Christmas time it is especially challenging. It is even more so for the residents of the Illinois Youth Detention Center in Warrenville Illinois, the only maximum security facility for female youth offenders in the state. Separated from family and friends, isolation hits hard.

Volunteers Bring Cheer

On any given Saturday, most residents are confined to their cells usually working on homework or completing cleaning chores. Those on good behavior can help out the staff by working in the kitchen, mowing the lawn in the summer or shoveling snow in the winter. Like most routines, it is monotonous especially for teenagers who’d rather be hanging out with friends or at the mall.

That’s why it was a cause for celebration when, on Saturday December 18, a group of 11 volunteers from Willow Creek put on a Christmas party for the incarcerated girls. For several hours, volunteers shared conversations, games and food. Willow provided the pizza and the volunteers brought soda and chips. One volunteer, who was also a teacher, gave a special bookmark to each girl handmade by her students.

Raising the Roof

Since the residents love to sing, especially the rich music of Christmas, the highlight of the day was worship They use worship as an avenue to express their love of God, and also to feel closer to Him. Singing helps melt away the roughness of their personal situations and allows God to comfort and nurture them. The volunteers pray earnestly that their efforts will solidify a relationship with Christ the girls can take with them when they leave the facility.

Cookies and Hugs

When the celebration ended, each attendee was given a bag of cookies, packed by Willow’s Singles Ministry. Volunteers also hugged them and wished them happiness for the holiday season. A myriad of volunteers turned a couple of hours on a Saturday into a birthday party for the King, and the residents felt the blessings of all those individuals who made it happen, whether they were present or not. The smiles on their faces, sincere words of gratitude and hugs were thanks enough.

Teams visit the Warrenville (women) and St. Charles (men) facilities on a regular basis. If you’d like to join the team to share God’s love, please contact Ann at: arand@willowcreek.org

12/16/2010

While most people started Thanksgiving Day in anticipation of a family gathering, Mike Calia was on his way to the Cook County Jail. Although he isn’t new to serving at Willow Creek, this was his first opportunity to serve with the prison/jail ministry. As he worked alongside 31 other volunteers, his perspective changed in a way that he didn’t see coming.

Hearts of Compassion

On Thanksgiving morning, the inmates of Cook County Jail walked single file in groups of 50-75 into the multipurpose room. Mike’s job was to serve the food and give a smile to each of the inmates as they passed through the line.

Before Jim, a co-leader in the Monday night Bible study at the jail, gave a short greeting, he asked how many of the men attended the weekly Bible study. Mike was surprised at the number of hands that went up. God is truly doing life-transformational work within the walls of the jail.

A particularly moving moment occurred after one of the inmates led the group in a very passionate prayer. "An inmate started singing 'Amazing Grace' and of course, we all joined in," says Mike. "I cannot even describe the feelings I had while singing that song 'a cappella' along with 80 or so other people, most of them male and almost three-quarters of them inmates."

"In my opinion, the most amazing thing happened when Jim mentioned that this was the third year that Willow’s prison ministry was serving a Thanksgiving meal at this prison and this would not be possible without the prison guards’ cooperation," mentioned Mike. Without a suggestion of any kind from any of the volunteers, the inmates actually started applauding. Mike left Cook County Jail that day feeling God’s grace in a new way.

Volunteer Opportunity

2010 was the third year Willow Creek has harnessed volunteer power to serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Cook County Jail. There is a tremendous need for volunteers (especially men) to serve on an ongoing basis with this vibrant, life—changing ministry. If you feel God nudging you to be a part of the prison/jail ministry, contact Gaius at gcosman@foxvalley.net.